With its low prices on everyday basics, Aldi has become a go-to grocery store for many shoppers. But for those avoiding gluten, an important question arises – can you find gluten free bacon at Aldi? Let’s explore the store’s GF offerings and bacon options
An Overview of Gluten Free at Aldi
As a discount grocer with extensive private label products Aldi does not have the same gluten free selection as higher end stores. However they still carry many GF certified items. Here are some key facts on Aldi and gluten free diets
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Aldi provides a list of their GF products, which is helpful for quick reference while shopping. This includes items like bread, baking mixes, snacks and more.
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Their LiveGFree line offers packaged gluten free staples like pasta, crackers and cookies. These products carry a GF certification label.
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Many everyday Aldi items like milk, produce, meat and rice are naturally gluten free. Shoppers just need to watch out for processed and seasoned items.
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Aldi does not have dedicated gluten free sections. GF products are shelved alongside regular ones. Shoppers must hunt for the GF label.
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Product supply can vary, so inventory of certain GF items may be inconsistent. Popular items sell out quickly.
So while Aldi lags behind other chains for GF offerings, they still provide options that can help trim grocery bills for gluten free families. Just take care when evaluating products.
Is Bacon at Aldi Gluten Free?
Since most fresh bacon contains only pork, salt, and preservatives, it is generally considered gluten free. However, flavorings and seasonings may introduce gluten from additives like soy sauce, making flavored bacon unsafe.
Aldi carries several bacon options:
- Applewood Thick Sliced Bacon
- Applewood Smoked Bacon
- Applewood Smoked Bacon (Thick Cut)
- Hardwood Smoked Bacon
- Hardwood Smoked Uncured Bacon
- Kirkwood Hardwood Smoked Bacon
Based on ingredients lists, all of Aldi’s regular bacon varieties appear to be gluten free. They contain pork cured with water, salt, sugar, and sodium nitrite. No gluten sources are listed.
However, those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should always verify by contacting Aldi to confirm their bacon production process and shared equipment policies. Cross-contamination is still a risk.
While bacon appears gluten free, some other Aldi pork products contain questionable ingredients like “natural flavor.” Again, reaching out to Aldi helps clarify gluten safety.
Best Practices for Buying GF Bacon at Aldi
When purchasing bacon and other meats at Aldi, following these tips helps find gluten free options:
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Check labels carefully – Scan ingredients lists and nutrition info for gluten sources.
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Avoid seasoned varieties – Flavored bacon poses more gluten risk from ingredients like soy sauce. Stick to plain.
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Ask about prep/equipment – Even plain bacon can get contaminated from shared slicers, etc.
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Look for GF seals – While Aldi bacon doesn’t carry one, some products will have a GF cert logo.
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Research online – Check Aldi’s GF list and forums like celiac.com for user insights.
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Inquire with store staff – Ask at customer service about products, kitchen practices and gluten training.
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Start with whole cuts – Buying/slicing bacon slabs yourself eliminates some cross-contamination.
While bacon is just one product, following these habits makes ALDI shopping easier for any specialty diet.
Helpful Tips for Aldi Gluten Free Shopping
Beyond just bacon, applying these tips at Aldi helps identify all gluten free foods:
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Review Aldi’s GF product list online before shopping. Search for updated versions.
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Give new products a quick scan for a GF seal from organizations like GFCO. Don’t assume.
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Check manufacturer websites if uncertain about ingredients or labeling terminology.
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Stick to naturally GF whole foods like produce, eggs and unseasoned meats.
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Look high and low on shelves, as GF items are mixed in with regular stock.
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Inquire about dedicated prep/storage areas and employee GF training at your local store.
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Consider designating a “GF cart” for households managing multiple diets. Avoid cross-contamination.
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Shop early when possible – GF inventory turnover is quick.
While imperfect for specialty diets, careful label reading and staff communication allow gluten free shoppers to take advantage of Aldi’s low prices. With extra care, bacon and other staples can be purchased safely.
Tips for Cooking Gluten Free Bacon
Once purchased, raw GF bacon still carries a minor risk of gluten cross-contact at home. Using these preparation tips reduces exposure:
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Dedicate cooking tools – Use separate tongs, pans, cooking racks, etc. just for GF bacon. Keep a special GF skillet if possible.
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Avoid preparing with gluten foods – Never cook GF bacon alongside glutenous foods like regular bread. Prevent cross-contact.
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Clean thoroughly before and after – Wash hands, prep tools, surfaces, pans, etc. vigilantly before and after cooking GF bacon.
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Store properly – Keep GF bacon sealed and on dedicated shelf of fridge/freezer separate from glutinous items.
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Buy pre-cooked – Opt for pre-cooked microwave bacon to avoid home cross-contamination.
Following strict kitchen protocols ensures GF bacon stays gluten free from store to table.
Is It Worth Buying Bacon at Aldi?
At the end of the day, is Aldi the best place for the gluten free crowd to buy bacon? A few pros and cons:
Pros
- Very affordable prices on bacon and other meats
- Wide availability of stores across the country
- Quick self-checkout makes shopping simpler
- Basic bacon has GF-friendly ingredients
Cons
- Inventory and selection lacks compared to chains with strong GF focus
- Nocertification or gluten-free labeling on bacon currently
- High risk of cross-contamination without dedicated prep
- Limited staff training/knowledge on gluten issues
Ultimately it requires extra care, but the budget-friendly prices make Aldi a viable option for GF shoppers willing to take precautions and verify their bacon selection is safely gluten free. Calling ahead and speaking with helpful managers can make Aldi a go-to for scoring great gluten free finds.
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The hummus chips are lovely, but keep scrolling for the veggie straws – so so good!
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Yes, that’s right – gluten-free Monster Munch! I literally can’t remember the last time I had a bag.
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Does Aldi sell Bacon?
Bacon is traditionally a breakfast favorite, but can be added to salads, sandwiches, baked potatoes, and more. Get delicious bacon at affordable prices when you shop at ALDI. *Available while quantities last. Items are limited and may not be available in all stores. We reserve the right to limit quantities sold.
Are almonds gluten free?
Almonds are a tree nut and are naturally gluten free. However, almonds can be contaminated with gluten during growing or processing. Almonds are usually grown in fields alongside other crops such as wheat, making them susceptible to gluten contamination, according to Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE). For those with celiac, choose nuts that are certified gluten free.
Is Bacon gluten-free?
Now, bacon is just raw or smoked pork belly that has been preserved. Unless gluten is added, bacon doesn’t usually contain gluten ingredients and can usually be considered gluten-free. However, for anyone wanting to be sure, the brands and varieties of bacon listed below are labeled or certified gluten-free.
Is Bacon gluten-free and safe for people with celiac disease?
One question we see a lot is about bacon. Specifically, what brands of bacon are gluten-free and safe for people with celiac disease? Now, bacon is just raw or smoked pork belly that has been preserved. Unless gluten is added, bacon doesn’t usually contain gluten ingredients and can usually be considered gluten-free.
Can you eat bacon on a gluten-free diet?
Bacon is a popular food that you may want to continue eating if you are on a gluten-free diet. However, only a few bacon manufacturers guarantee the gluten-free status of their bacon. Keep reading to find out which bacon brands are safe to eat on a gluten-free diet. Is Bacon Gluten-Free?
Is turkey bacon gluten free?
Just like regular bacon, turkey bacon can be gluten free as long as no gluten or gluten containing ingredients have been used to make it. It’s also important to watch for cross contact which can occur if it is made in a place where it can come into contact with surfaces or tools that were used for gluten containing foods.